Hot on the heels of his Captain Black Big Band release, pianist Orrin Evans delivers a swinging piano-trio tribute to his hometown of Philadelphia with Freedom. The disc has a contemplative feel with the occasional burst of frenetic energy. The direction is refreshing and telling of the maturity of Evans, who seems more concerned with artistic expression than technical posturing. With a style steeped in tradition, yet pushing forward ever-so-gently, Evans is able to show restraint while building layers of intensity, especially on the ballad “Dita”—Evans’ only compositional contribution to the date—and an imaginative solo piano rendering of Herbie Hancock’s “Just Enough,” which serves as a fitting wrap-up. The pianist takes more of a thrill-seeking approach on up-tempo numbers such as “Hodge Podge” and “As Is.”
Evans is supported by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummers Anwar Marshall and, long-time associate, Byron Landham, all Philly-bred musicians. The great tenor saxophonist and Philadelphia legend Larry McKenna adds insatiable swinging lines to a couple of tracks, including a straightforward rendition of “Time After Time.”
